Erasers

/ɪˈreɪzərz/ noun

Definition

Tools used to remove marks made by pencils or other writing instruments from paper or surfaces.

Etymology

From 'erase' (Latin 'eradere' meaning 'to scrape out') plus the suffix '-er' (one who does) and '-s' (plural). The tool meaning developed in the 1800s when rubber erasers became common.

Kelly Says

Before rubber erasers were invented in the late 1700s, people used breadcrumbs or pumice stone to remove pencil marks—imagine erasing your homework with a piece of bread!

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